U.S. patent number 10,981,538 [Application Number 16/208,002] was granted by the patent office on 2021-04-20 for response vehicle systems and methods.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Oshkosh Corporation. The grantee listed for this patent is Oshkosh Corporation. Invention is credited to David W. Archer, Neil Bjornstad, Michael J. Holeton, Patrick D. Martin.
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United States Patent |
10,981,538 |
Archer , et al. |
April 20, 2021 |
Response vehicle systems and methods
Abstract
A response vehicle includes a transmission, a braking subsystem,
and a vehicle management system coupled to at least one of the
transmission and the braking subsystem. The vehicle management
system includes an interlock module configured to provide a signal
to switch the at least one of the transmission and the braking
subsystem from a locked condition to an operational condition only
in response to an authenticated user request thereby preventing
undesired operation of the response vehicle.
Inventors: |
Archer; David W. (Hortonville,
WI), Bjornstad; Neil (Oshkosh, WI), Holeton; Michael
J. (Appleton, WI), Martin; Patrick D. (Appleton,
WI) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Oshkosh Corporation |
Oshkosh |
WI |
US |
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Assignee: |
Oshkosh Corporation (Oshkosh,
WI)
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Family
ID: |
1000005498559 |
Appl.
No.: |
16/208,002 |
Filed: |
December 3, 2018 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20190106083 A1 |
Apr 11, 2019 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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15097278 |
Apr 12, 2016 |
10144389 |
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62150149 |
Apr 20, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R
25/25 (20130101); B60R 25/24 (20130101); G07C
5/008 (20130101); A62C 27/00 (20130101); B60R
25/23 (20130101); B60R 25/08 (20130101); G07C
5/0825 (20130101); B60Q 1/46 (20130101); G07C
9/00571 (20130101); B60R 25/06 (20130101); B60R
2021/0081 (20130101); G07C 2009/00769 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B60R
25/08 (20060101); A62C 27/00 (20060101); B60R
21/00 (20060101); B60Q 1/46 (20060101); B60R
25/06 (20060101); G07C 9/00 (20200101); B60R
25/23 (20130101); G07C 5/08 (20060101); G07C
5/00 (20060101); B60R 25/24 (20130101); B60R
25/25 (20130101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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2805995 |
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Nov 2013 |
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CA |
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202183043 |
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Apr 2012 |
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CN |
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3006648 |
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Dec 2014 |
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FR |
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2003-256818 |
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Sep 2003 |
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JP |
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2005-297796 |
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Oct 2005 |
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JP |
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WO-2005/006260 |
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Jan 2005 |
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WO |
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WO-2014/186041 |
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Nov 2014 |
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WO |
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Other References
First Office Action Search Report regarding corresponding Chinese
Application No. 201680030641.9, dated Feb. 25, 2019, 3 pps. cited
by applicant .
International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT application
No. PCT/US2016/027169, dated Jul. 1, 2016, 14 pages. cited by
applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Freedman; Laura
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Foley & Lardner LLP
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 15/097,278, filed Apr. 12, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,144,389,
which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
62/150,149, filed Apr. 20, 2015, both of which are incorporated
herein by reference in their entireties.
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A vehicle, comprising: a transmission; a braking subsystem; and
a vehicle management system coupled to at least one of the
transmission and the braking subsystem, the vehicle management
system including a location module and an interlock module, wherein
the location module is configured to provide location information
relating to a location of the vehicle, wherein the vehicle
management system is configured to use the location information to
determine if the vehicle is arriving at a scene, and wherein the
interlock module is configured to provide a signal to switch the at
least one of the transmission and the braking subsystem from an
operational condition to a locked condition in response to the
vehicle management system entering a mode based on the vehicle
arriving at the scene, thereby preventing undesired operation of
the vehicle.
2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the vehicle management system is
coupled to both the transmission and the braking subsystem, wherein
the interlock module is configured to provide the signal to switch
the transmission and the braking subsystem from operational
conditions to locked conditions in response to the vehicle
management system entering the mode.
3. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein the interlock module is
configured to provide the signal to switch the transmission from
the operational condition to the locked condition, wherein the
locked condition corresponds to a parking gear of the transmission,
and wherein the operational condition corresponds with at least one
of a neutral gear and a drive gear of the transmission.
4. The response vehicle of claim 3, wherein the interlock module is
configured to provide the signal to switch the braking subsystem
from the operational condition to the locked condition, wherein the
locked condition corresponds to an engaged configuration whereby
the braking subsystem is configured to limit movement of the
vehicle, and wherein the operational condition corresponds to a
disengaged configuration whereby the braking subsystem is
configured to not limit movement of the vehicle.
5. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the interlock module is
configured to provide a second signal to switch the at least one of
the transmission and the braking subsystem from the locked
condition to the operational condition only in response to an
authenticated user request.
6. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the vehicle management system is
configured to facilitate operation of at least one of an engine, a
pump, a water system, a foam system, a siren, and a lighting system
in the mode.
7. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the vehicle management system is
further configured to enter the mode in response to a user request,
wherein the vehicle management system is configured to receive the
user request from at least one of a display device, a button, a
switch, a parking brake, and wireless control interface.
8. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the interlock module is
configured to provide a second signal to switch the at least one of
the transmission and the braking subsystem from the locked
condition to the operational condition only in response to an
authenticated user request signal provided by at least one of: (a)
an access code system, (b) a username and password system, (c) a
switch, (d) a button, (e) a fingerprint scanner, and (f) a retinal
scanner.
9. A response vehicle management system, comprising: a vehicle
subsystem comprising at least one of a command system, a siren, a
lighting system, a generator, a water pump system, a foam system, a
water tank, a foam tank, a fuel tank, and a governor; a sensor
configured to monitor the vehicle subsystem and provide a sensor
signal corresponding thereto; a transceiver; a first processing
circuit coupled to the sensor and the transceiver, wherein the
first processing circuit is configured to: (a) evaluate data
relating to the vehicle subsystem based on the sensor signal and
(b) provide the data for transmission by the transceiver to a
mobile device in response to an authenticated user request, wherein
the data provided by the first processing circuit to the mobile
device varies based on an access level of a user associated with
the authenticated user request; a repeater configured to receive,
amplify, and retransmit an incoming signal transmitted by the
transceiver; and a second processing circuit coupled to the
repeater, wherein the second processing circuit is configured to
determine if a retransmission of the incoming signal is necessary
for information contained in the incoming signal to reach the
mobile device, and wherein the repeater is configured to retransmit
the incoming signal to the mobile device in response to a
determination that the retransmission of the incoming signal is
necessary.
10. The response vehicle management system of claim 9, further
comprising a first response vehicle and a second response vehicle,
wherein the transceiver is provided as part of the first response
vehicle and the repeater is provided as part of the second response
vehicle.
11. The response vehicle management system of claim 9, further
comprising a response vehicle, wherein the transceiver and the
repeater are provided as part of the response vehicle.
12. The response vehicle management system of claim 9, further
comprising a response vehicle having a chassis, wherein the
repeater comprises a portable unit releasably coupled to the
chassis and configured to be selectively deployed by a user, the
repeater thereby facilitating remote communication between the user
and the response vehicle.
13. The response vehicle management system of claim 9, wherein
determining if a retransmission of the incoming signal is necessary
for the information contained in the incoming signal to reach the
mobile device includes determining the locations of the transceiver
and the mobile device and determining a range of communication of
the transmission.
14. The response vehicle management system of claim 13, wherein the
second processing circuit includes a telemetry data module
configured to analyze telemetry data to determine the range of
communication of the transmission.
15. The response vehicle management system of claim 14, further
comprising a first response vehicle and a second response vehicle,
wherein the transceiver is provided as part of the first response
vehicle and the repeater is provided as part of the second response
vehicle.
16. The response vehicle management system of claim 9, wherein the
data relating to the vehicle subsystem comprises at least one of
logged information and a status.
Description
BACKGROUND
Traditional response vehicles include various features and systems
for assisting an operator of the response vehicle in responding to
an incident. Such systems may provide navigation assistance,
warning lights, and incident information. Operators are
traditionally not able to wirelessly connect with an interface of
the response vehicle, thereby preventing the operator from viewing
information relating to the response vehicle and incident on a user
device.
SUMMARY
One embodiment relates to a response vehicle. The response vehicle
includes a transmission, a braking subsystem, and a vehicle
management system coupled to at least one of the transmission and
the braking subsystem. The vehicle management system includes an
interlock module configured to provide a signal to switch the at
least one of the transmission and the braking subsystem from a
locked condition to an operational condition only in response to an
authenticated user request thereby preventing undesired operation
of the response vehicle.
Another embodiment relates to a response vehicle management system.
The response vehicle management system includes a vehicle
subsystem, a sensor, a transceiver, and a processing circuit. The
vehicle subsystem includes at least one of a command system, a
siren, a lighting system, a generator, a water pump system, a foam
system, a water tank, a foam tank, a fuel tank, and a governor. The
sensor is configured to monitor the vehicle subsystem and provide a
sensor signal corresponding thereto. The processing circuit is
coupled to the sensor and the transceiver. The processing circuit
is configured to: (a) evaluate data relating to the vehicle
subsystem based on the sensor signal and (b) provide the data for
transmission by the transceiver in response to an authenticated
user request
Still another embodiment relates to a response vehicle control
system. The response vehicle control system includes a response
vehicle having a vehicle subsystem, a transceiver, and a processing
circuit. The vehicle subsystem includes at least one of a command
system, a siren, a lighting system, a generator, a water pump
system, a foam system, and a governor. The processing circuit is
coupled to the transceiver and configured to: (a) evaluate an
access level of a user; (b) provide user interface data for
transmission by the transceiver; (c) evaluate an authenticated
command provided by the user; and (d) provide a control signal to
the vehicle subsystem in response to the authenticated command,
wherein the user interface data provided by the processing circuit
varies based on the access level of the user thereby preventing
unauthorized control of the response vehicle.
Another embodiment relates to a vehicle management system that
includes a display module, a first user device coupled to the
display module with a direct Wi-Fi connection, and a second user
device coupled to the display module with the direct Wi-Fi
connection. The display module is configured to store user
interface data onboard the vehicle and provide the user interface
data to the first user device and the second user device in
response to a user request. The user interface data provided to the
first user device and the second user device varies based on an
access level of the user.
Still another embodiment relates to a response vehicle that
includes a communications interface and a vehicle management system
having an onboard communications module. The communications
interface is configured to receive an incident signal from at least
one of a mobile device and another response vehicle, and the
onboard communications module includes a repeater module configured
receive the incident signal and provide a relayed signal, thereby
extending a transmission of the incident signal.
The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being carried
out in various ways. Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to
other features and combinations of features.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The disclosure will become more fully understood from the following
detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in
which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a response vehicle including
various features described herein, according to an exemplary
embodiment;
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an exemplary incident, with several
response vehicles responding to the incident, the response vehicles
facilitating wireless communications between one another, a
commander, and other users, according to an exemplary
embodiment;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a vehicle management system for a
response vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 4 is a detailed block diagram of the onboard communications
module of the vehicle management system, according to an exemplary
embodiment;
FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a process for enabling wireless
communications between a response vehicle and a user device,
according to an exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a process for enabling wireless
communications between a plurality of response vehicles and user
devices, according to an exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 7 is a detailed block diagram of a diagnostics module of the
vehicle management system, according to an exemplary
embodiment;
FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a process for providing diagnostic
information relating to the response vehicle, according to an
exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 9 is a detailed block diagram of a location module of the
vehicle management system, according to an exemplary
embodiment;
FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a process for providing location
information to a user of the response vehicle, according to an
exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 11 is a detailed block diagram of a display module of the
vehicle management system, according to an exemplary embodiment;
and
FIGS. 12-27 are example user interfaces that may be provided on a
display of the response vehicle or a user device, according to
various exemplary embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplary
embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present
application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth
in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be
understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description
only and should not be regarded as limiting.
Systems and methods are described herein for providing various
features as part of a response vehicle management system. More
particularly, systems and methods are described for providing a
response vehicle control and monitoring system. The response
vehicle control and monitoring system includes a transceiver
onboard the response vehicle configured to interface with a mobile
device (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.). The transceiver
facilitates communication between the systems of the response
vehicle and the mobile device, facilitating user control and
monitoring of an incident and/or the response vehicle. The
transceiver may interface with, for example, the drivetrain,
command system, sirens, lighting, generators, and/or governors of
the response vehicle. A user may monitor the health of the response
vehicle, confirm that its systems are operating within normal
parameters, and retrieve (e.g., view, download, etc.) vehicle
diagnostics.
The user device may receive information from the response vehicle
that is stored onboard the vehicle. The information may be provided
as a webpage on the user device, eliminating the need for the user
to download an application to interface with the response vehicle
and allowing the user interface to be used across different user
devices (e.g., on different platforms, on devices with different
operating systems, etc.). The webpage content may be stored onboard
the response vehicle.
In one embodiment, the communications system facilitates localized
wireless communication between various response vehicles and other
devices. For example, several response vehicles may respond to an
incident and be spread out over a wide area around the incident.
The communications systems of one response vehicle may facilitate
communications with other, surrounding response vehicles and/or
user devices. For example, a commander may be within wireless range
of one response vehicle but not the other response vehicles. The
communications systems of the response vehicles may act as
repeaters, allowing the commander to communicate with each of the
response vehicles, even those that are out of range of the
commander's mobile device.
In one embodiment, the user devices communicate with the response
vehicles via Wi-Fi. In other embodiments, the communications
between the user devices and/or response vehicles may be supported
via CDMA, GSM, or another cellular connection. In still other
embodiments, another wireless protocol is utilized (e.g.,
Bluetooth, Zigbee, radio, etc.).
Referring to FIG. 1, a response vehicle 100, shown as a fire truck,
includes a plurality of emergency lights 102 used to indicate the
presence of vehicle 100 and any surrounding danger. Emergency
lights 102 may be located in the front, back, and/or the top of the
vehicle, or in any other location, to provide the clearest possible
view of the lights. Vehicle 100 includes audio output devices
(e.g., sirens, etc.), shown as speakers 104. Speakers 104 may be
used to provide an audible warning. Emergency lights 102 and
speakers 104 may include a transmitter, actuation of which provides
a visual and an audible alert, respectively.
Vehicle 100 includes an onboard communications device 106 for
transmitting and receiving data via a wireless connection.
Communications device 106 facilitates wireless communication with
various user devices and/or other vehicles 100. For example,
communications device 106 may transmit response vehicle information
to a user device of an occupant of the vehicle, to a commander on
site at an incident, and/or to a system or person positioned
remotely relative to an incident. Further, communications device
106 may facilitate transmissions between multiple response
vehicles. In one embodiment, communications device 106 at least one
of includes and acts as a repeater, facilitating transmission of
signals from another source (e.g., a commander user device, etc.)
to a device or response vehicle out of range of the original
source.
While vehicle 100 is shown as a fire truck, it should be understood
that the systems and methods disclosed herein are applicable to an
ambulance, a police vehicle, a tow truck, a public utility vehicle,
a municipal vehicle, a military vehicle, a lift device, or any
other type of response vehicle or other vehicle. Further, the
systems and methods disclosed herein may be applicable for any type
of incident, scene, or site in which wireless communications
between one or more vehicles and user devices is advantageous.
Referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary environment 200 includes a
plurality of response vehicles that have responded to an incident.
Response vehicles 204, 206, 208 are shown on site at an incident
210 (e.g., a house fire, etc.). A number of personnel 212 are shown
on site as well. A commander 202 may be on site and responsible for
managing the response to incident 210.
One or more of the response vehicles 204, 206, 208 may include an
onboard communications device 106 facilitating communications
between the response vehicles and user devices. For example, a
response vehicle may be in range of one or more personnel 212 on
site at incident 210, and may transmit information to and receive
information from personnel user devices (e.g., mobile devices,
etc.).
In one embodiment, the onboard communication devices of the
response vehicles at least one of include and act as repeaters. For
example, some response vehicles (e.g., response vehicle 208, etc.)
may be out of the range of the user device of commander 202. The
onboard communication device of response vehicle 204 may include or
act as a repeater. Upon receiving a transmission from a user device
of commander 202, the onboard communications device of response
vehicle 204 may relay the transmission to response vehicles 206,
208. Response vehicles 206, 208 may then provide the transmission
to personnel 212 in range, evaluate a vehicle or vehicle system
command specified in the transmission, and/or perform still another
task.
Similarly, since some response vehicles may be outside of the range
of commander 202, the onboard communications device of response
vehicle 204 may be used as a repeater to relay transmissions from
the out of range response vehicles (e.g., vehicle 208, etc.) or
personnel to a user device of commander 202. For example, response
vehicle 204 may relay status information, warnings, and other
information to commander 202 from response vehicle 208. Such
communication may allow commander 202 to more effectively manage
personnel and equipment on site.
In one embodiment, the information relayed between commander 202,
personnel 212, and response vehicles 204, 206, 208 includes status
information for the response vehicle. Status information may
include, for example, general vehicle diagnostic activity (e.g., if
fuel is low, if oil is low, other general vehicle-related errors,
etc.), or information regarding various vehicle subsystems (e.g.,
water tank levels, pump operation, warning lights, sirens,
navigation system, etc.). The information may be displayed on one
or both of a display provided as part of the response vehicle and
on a user device of commander 202 and/or personnel 212. In one
embodiment, the information is transmitted to a user device and
displayed on the user device in a webpage format. This information
may be retrieved by the response vehicle from vehicle subsystems.
For example, the information may be retrieved in real-time or near
real-time as the vehicle is in operation (e.g., the vehicle is
being driven or actively used in response to an incident, etc.).
The commander may then use the information to manage use of the
response vehicles at the incident. As another example, the
information may be retrieved from vehicle subsystems in between
incidents.
Referring now to FIG. 3, a vehicle management system 300 is
provided as part of response vehicle 100. Vehicle management system
300 is generally configured to manage various aspects and features
of the response vehicle. For example, vehicle management system 300
may facilitate communication between the response vehicle and other
response vehicles and user devices. As another example, vehicle
management system 300 may provide various data logging and
diagnostic features, and may provide such information to user
devices via a wireless connection and to a display unit of the
response vehicle. As another example, vehicle management system 300
may monitor vehicle performance and determine any potential faults
or warning associated with the vehicle, and wirelessly transmit the
faults or warnings to a user device. As another example, vehicle
management system 300 may facilitate integration of a navigation
and mapping application, providing a display to a user that
identifies points of interest in responding to an incident (e.g.,
location of hydrants, hazards, locations of other response
vehicles, etc.). In some embodiments, vehicle management system 300
may be integrated with other vehicle systems of response vehicle
100. In other embodiments, some functionality of vehicle management
system 300 may occur remotely from response vehicle 100 at a remote
server or other device.
In one embodiment, response vehicle 100, and more particularly
vehicle management system 300, is configured to wirelessly
communicate with a plurality of other response vehicles 350, user
devices 352, and/or at least one commander device 354. As described
above with reference to FIG. 2, response vehicle 100 facilitates
communication between various systems and devices. For example,
response vehicle 100 may at least one of include and act as a
repeater, allowing a signal from a first response vehicle 350
and/or user device 352 to reach other vehicles and/or devices out
of range of the transmitting vehicle and/or device. Response
vehicle 100 may be out of range of some of the devices and/or
vehicles, and another response vehicle 350 may act as a repeater
for transmitting a signal from response vehicle 100 to the
out-of-range source.
In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, one or more of the
response vehicles 204, 206, 208 (and/or response vehicle 100)
include a portable unit, shown as portable repeater 214. Portable
repeater 214 may be releasably coupled to the chassis of a
respective response vehicle and configured to be selectively
deployed by a user (e.g., personnel 212, commander 202, etc.). The
portable repeater 214 is configured to facilitate remote
communication between the user and one or more response vehicles,
according to an exemplary embodiment. For example, one or more
portable repeaters 214 may be associated with a response vehicle
and may be carried by a user. The user, if he/she is responding to
an incident and has to walk far away from the response vehicle
(e.g., the incident is in a rural place, etc.), may place the
portable repeaters 214 out in the field. The portable repeaters 214
may then detect signals sent from either a user device or the
response vehicle, and retransmit the signals at a power level
greater than a power level of the received signals, facilitating
wireless communications between the user and the response vehicle
even if the user is out of wireless range (e.g., a distance beyond
which wireless communication is not reliable, etc.) of the response
vehicle. More than one portable repeater 214 may be used. The
portable repeater 214 may be a battery-powered device and may be
stored (and charged) in or on the response vehicle when not in use.
The portable repeater 214 may be associated with the response
vehicle such that the portable repeater 214 is configured for
secure wireless communications with the response vehicle. In other
words, communications may be secure between the user and the
particular response vehicle. The response vehicle communications
module may wirelessly transmit data to other user devices, a
commander, other vehicles, etc.
As shown in FIG. 3, vehicle management system 300 includes a
processing circuit 304 including a processor 306 and memory 308.
Processor 306 may be a general purpose or specific purpose
processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one
or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of
processing components, or other suitable processing components.
Processor 306 may be configured to execute computer code or
instructions stored in memory 308 or received from other computer
readable media (e.g., CDROM, network storage, a remote server,
etc.) to perform one or more of the processes described herein.
Memory 308 may include one or more data storage devices (e.g.,
memory units, memory devices, computer-readable storage media,
etc.) configured to store data, computer code, executable
instructions, or other forms of computer-readable information.
Memory 308 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory
(ROM), hard drive storage, temporary storage, non-volatile memory,
flash memory, optical memory, or any other suitable memory for
storing software objects and/or computer instructions. Memory 308
may include database components, object code components, script
components, or any other type of information structure for
supporting the various activities and information structures
described in the present disclosure. Memory 308 may be communicably
connected to processor 306 via processing circuit 304 and may
include computer code for executing (e.g., by processor 306, etc.)
one or more of the processes described herein.
As shown in FIG. 3, memory 308 includes an onboard communications
module 320. Onboard communications module 320 is configured to
facilitate wireless communications with user devices and with other
response vehicles via communications interface 302 (e.g.,
transceiver, etc.). Communications interface 302 may support any
kind of wireless standard (e.g., 802.11 b/g/n, 802.11a, etc.) and
may interface with any type of mobile device (e.g., laptop, tablet,
smartphone, etc.) having Wi-Fi capability. Communications interface
302 may further facilitate wireless communications with an external
global positioning system (GPS). Onboard communications module 320
may be any type of Wi-Fi capable module (e.g., a CL-T04 CANect.RTM.
Wi-Fi Module manufactured by HED Inc., etc.) configured to support
wireless communications with the mobile devices and other response
vehicles. Onboard communications module 320 may include various
security features for providing secure communications between the
response vehicles 350, user devices 352, and/or commander device
354. Such a module may further include other response
vehicle-related features that may be used in the systems and
methods disclosed herein (e.g., diagnostics features, navigation
features, etc.). Onboard communications module 320 is described in
greater detail below with reference to FIG. 4.
As shown in FIG. 3, memory 308 includes a diagnostics module 322.
Diagnostics module 322 receives data relating to response vehicle
operation (e.g., telemetry data, etc.) and provides diagnostic
information to user devices. In various embodiments, some of the
aspects of diagnostics module 322 may be integrated into the
operation of onboard communications module 320 (e.g., onboard
communications module 320 may include sub-modules for capturing
telemetry data and transmitting data to the user devices, etc.);
while the activities of diagnostics module 322 are described
separately from the communications module 320 in the present
disclosure, other embodiments having combined modules are within
the scope of the present disclosure.
In one embodiment, diagnostics module 322 identifies an error or
fault associated with the response vehicle based on telemetry data.
The error or fault may be a specific error or fault instead of a
generic warning. For example, instead of displaying a "check
engine" light on a display of the response vehicle, a more specific
fault message may be displayed that allows a user to more quickly
diagnose and repair the problem. The fault message may be displayed
on a display unit 340 of the response vehicle and/or on a user
device 352 (e.g., transmitted to the user device by communications
interface 302, etc.). Diagnostics module 322 is described in
greater detail below with reference to FIG. 7. The fault message
and/or diagnostic information may also be transmitted to a remote
location (e.g., a central repair facility, etc.).
As shown in FIG. 3, memory 308 includes a location module 324
configured to provide located-related information for display on
display unit 340 and/or a user device 352. Location module 324 may
communicate with a remote server 356 to receive navigation and
location information relevant to the response vehicle 100. For
example, location module 324 may map a destination (e.g., the site
of an incident, etc.) using obtained location or coordinate data,
may provide turn-by-turn directions to an incident, and may provide
geographical data relevant to the response vehicle 100 and incident
(e.g., the location of hydrants and water points if the incident is
a fire, etc.). In some embodiments, location module 324 and/or
vehicle management system 300 are configured to function without
connecting to remote server 356 (e.g., receive manual entry of an
incident location and provide navigation information, etc.).
Location module 324 is described in greater detail below with
reference to FIG. 9.
As shown in FIG. 3, memory 308 includes a display module 326.
Display module 326 is configured to generate a display to provide
on display unit 340 of the response vehicle and/or a user device
352. Display unit 340 may be, for example, a touchscreen display
(e.g., a CANlink.RTM. CL-711 display manufactured by HED Inc.,
etc.) having a resistive touchscreen that receives a touch input
from a user. Display unit 340 may support any type of display
feature, such as a flipbook-style animation, or any other type of
transition feature. Display unit 340 may generally provide a
plurality of navigation buttons that allow a user to select various
displays and other options via touch. Display unit 340 may further,
upon detection of a fault, provide a display that relates to the
fault. For example, if a tire pressure fault is detected, a tire
pressure screen may be displayed that provides current tire
pressure information for the response vehicle. Display unit 340 may
have a wired or wireless connection with other response vehicle
subsystems and/or with remote devices. Display module 326 is
described in greater detail with reference to FIG. 11.
As shown in FIG. 3, memory 308 includes a database 328 configured
to store telemetry information captured by the various vehicle
subsystems 342. Data may generally include telemetry data,
diagnostics data, and access data. Telemetry data may include, for
example, data relating to the operation of the response vehicle
such as system statuses, HVAC status, the status of various vehicle
subsystems and components (e.g., engine, transmission, tire
pressure, brakes, pump(s), etc.), vehicle status (e.g., if a door
is open, if equipment is deployed, etc.), etc. In other words,
telemetry data includes vehicle status information that may be
relevant to a commander or other user during a response to an
incident and/or a maintenance technician. The data may be time
stamped and include a vehicle identifier.
The data may be removed from database 328 once the data is uploaded
from the local database to a remote cloud storage. For example,
long-term storage of the telemetry data and other data may be done
on a centralized server 358, and communications interface 302 may
wirelessly connect with remote server 358 to transmit and store the
data. As described above, the data includes a timestamp and vehicle
identifier information to identify the data in remote server 358.
Data may be stored in database 328 until transmission to remote
server 358. The data may be kept in database 328 to allow for a
"snapshot" view of the data on a user device (i.e., once the data
is captured, the data may be provided shortly thereafter to user
devices near the scene of an incident, etc.).
In one embodiment, the data is automatically updated periodically.
The data may also be updated upon user request. A controller area
network (CAN) controller, such as diagnostics module 322 or another
module may be configured to monitor the data and to determine when
a potential status of the response vehicle 100 has changed based on
the telemetry data changes.
Database 328 may be any type of database (e.g., a SQLite database,
etc.), and diagnostics module 322 may query the database using any
type of language or method via backend framework. The backend
framework of vehicle management system 300 may support the
activities of periodically updating and querying database 328, as
well as providing web layer authentication (e.g., to authenticate
devices that attempt to access data from database 328, etc.). The
backend framework may further support the various security-related
functionality of onboard communications module 320.
Vehicle management system 300 may include, for example, a data
transport protocol layer configured to facilitate the query of data
from database 328 for use by the various modules of memory 308. In
one embodiment, at least one of web sockets and AJAX polling is
used to invoke queries via backend framework and provide the data
to the frontend applications (e.g., the application layer, the
modules, etc.), as they allow changes to database 328 to be
detected and pushed to the application layer. The use of web
sockets and/or AJAX may be based on compatibility constraints and
performance constraints with the user devices 352 accessing vehicle
management system 300. The application layer, or the frontend
application, of vehicle management system 300 may be built using,
for example, HTML5, CSS, and various Javascript libraries.
As shown in FIG. 3, memory 308 includes an interlock module 330.
Interlock module 330 is configured to at least one of (i) prevent
unintended, accidental, and/or unauthorized engagement and/or
disengagement of one or more of the vehicle subsystems 342 (e.g.,
transmission, pumps, brakes, water system, foam system, lighting
systems, sirens, engine, generator, etc.) and (ii) reduce the
likelihood of theft of the response vehicle 100. For example, a
response vehicle (e.g., a fire truck, an ambulance, a police
vehicle, etc.) is often left running and unattended when the
response vehicle arrives at the scene of an incident (e.g., a fire,
a vehicle collision, etc.). Such an occurrence may leave
traditional response vehicles prone to theft as anyone is able to
enter the response vehicle and drive away.
The interlock module 330 may be configured to facilitate activating
one or more interlocks that prevent the response vehicle and/or
components thereof (e.g., water pump, foam system, sirens, lights,
etc.) from being operated by an unauthorized user. For example,
when arriving at a scene of an incident, an operator of the
response vehicle 100 may be able to enter the response vehicle into
a "scene mode" or "lock mode" using one or more commands (e.g., a
user request, etc.) on the display unit 340, the user device 352
(e.g., a wireless control interface, etc.), the commander device
354 (e.g., a wireless control interface, etc.), and/or other input
devices of the response vehicle 100 (e.g., switches, dials,
toggles, parking brake, etc.). In some embodiments, interlock
module 330 is configured to engage a parking brake and/or lock a
transmission of the response vehicle 100 when the scene mode is
activated. In other embodiments, the interlock module 330 is
configured to activate the scene mode in response to the parking
brake being activated (e.g., engaged, etc.) by an operator of the
response vehicle 100. In still other embodiments, the interlock
module 330 is configured to automatically enter the scene mode
based on an indication relating to the response vehicle 100
arriving at a scene and/or automatically based on an indication
relating to the presence of an operator (e.g., the lack of the
presence of an operator, an operator exiting the response vehicle
100, an operator opening the door of the response vehicle 100,
etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the interlock module
330 is configured to facilitate operation of at least one of an
engine, a generator, a pump, a foam system, a water system, a
siren, a lighting system, etc. while in the scene mode. According
to an exemplary embodiment, such as system controlled by the
interlock module 330 does not require modification to Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standards ("FMVSS") brake circuit control of parking
brakes.
According to an exemplary embodiment, activating the scene mode
prevents an operator from shifting the transmission of the response
vehicle 100 from a locked condition (e.g., corresponding to a
parking gear, etc.) to an operational condition (e.g., out of park,
corresponding to a drive gear and/or a neutral gear, etc.) and/or
releasing the brakes (e.g., switching from an engaged configuration
that limits movement of the response vehicle 100 to a disengaged
configuration that does not limit movement of the response vehicle
100, etc.). For example, the interlock module 330 may lock the
transmission and/or the brakes such that the response vehicle 100
may not be moved by an unauthorized user. To move the response
vehicle 100 and/or deactivate the scene mode, the interlock module
330 may require a user to enter an access code (e.g., username, ID,
password, on the display unit 340, on the user device 352, on the
commander device 354, etc.) and/or perform a series of actions
(e.g., activate and/or deactivate a series of switches and/or
buttons, a fingerprint scan, a facial recognition scan, a retinal
scan, etc.) to verify the user has permission to move the response
vehicle 100. Once the user is verified, the interlock module 330 is
configured to disengage the locks on the brakes and/or the
transmission to allow the user to move the response vehicle
100.
According to an exemplary embodiment, activating the scene mode
prevents the response vehicle 100 from rolling or otherwise moving
in response to intentional and/or unintentional disengagement of
the parking brake or other brakes without the user verifying
permission and/or access to do so. For example, an accidental
disengagement of the parking brake may allow the response vehicle
100 to unintentionally begin to roll (e.g., if parked on a slope,
if the transmission is in neutral, etc.). However, the interlock
module 330 keeps the brakes engaged and/or the transmission locked
until the scene mode is deactivated (e.g., by a user entering an
appropriate access code, performing a series of actions, etc.) to
prevent such unintended movement of the response vehicle 100.
While vehicle management system 300 is described in FIG. 3 as a
single system within a response vehicle, it should be understood
that the various activities of vehicle management system 300 may be
performed by various vehicle subsystems of the response vehicle.
The arrangement and activities of the various modules of vehicle
management system 300 may vary according to different embodiments.
Further, the activities of the vehicle management system 300 may be
performed by multiple vehicle management systems, particularly
where multiple response vehicles are present at an incident
site.
Referring now to FIG. 4, onboard communications module 320 is
described in greater detail. In one embodiment, onboard
communications module 320 includes a variety of security features
to secure wireless communications with the other response vehicles
and/or with the user devices. For example, onboard communications
module 320 may include a network security layer 402 configured to
prohibit unauthorized users and user devices from gaining access to
the network being used by the response vehicles and associated user
devices. Onboard communications module 320 may further support
setting one or more WPA2 passphrases 404 to secure the network. A
randomly generated SSID (service set identification) and long
passphrase may be used to identify the network and secure the
network from unauthorized users and user devices. Onboard
communications module 320 may further support the use of security
certificates 406 to verify the authenticity of a user device and/or
other response vehicle device attempting to wirelessly communicate
with the response vehicle.
Onboard communications module 320 may include a HTTPS security
layer 408 configured to encrypt transmissions from the response
vehicle using a local SSL certificate (e.g., to put the
transmission under HTTPS instead of HTTP, etc.). Onboard
communications module 320 may include a web authentication layer
410 configured to prevent unauthorized access. For example, even if
a hacker or attacker accesses the communications from onboard
communications module 320, he/she would still need a username and
password (or other identification information) to read and/or
change any data. Usernames, passwords, and other identification
information may be provided via a separate interface from
communications interface 302 and then used on the network
supporting onboard communications module 320 communications. In one
embodiment, a long term cookie may be set upon a successful
authentication of a user device, which may be updated with
timestamp information as the user continues to access the network
shared with onboard communications module 320. Using the
identification information, user devices may be given an
appropriate permission level. For example, some user devices might
have read-only access to data provided by the response vehicle,
while other users may have read-write access (e.g., a commander,
etc.). As another example, onboard communications module 320 may
track who is currently in communication with the response vehicle,
and may be configured to account for multiple people having
read-write access (e.g., allowing only one user device at a time to
have read-write access to the data, etc.). Different user
interfaces (e.g., webpages, etc.) may be provided based on an
access level of the user.
As shown in FIG. 4, onboard communications module 320 includes a
user security module 412. User security module 412 may generally
define a plurality of groups that allow and/or restrict
functionality and access to the data provided by the response
vehicle and/or control of the response vehicle. User security
module 412 may define a plurality of groups including, by way of
example only: technician, administrator, responder (e.g.,
firefighter, policeman, etc.), etc. A technician may be able to
troubleshoot system level issues and provide diagnostics, repairs,
and maintenance of the network and communications between the user
devices and response vehicles. For example, the technician may be
able to check for device and software updates (and to push the
updates to the user devices) and may be provided with the highest
level of security in accessing the network (having unrestricted
access). A technician may further have the capability to configure
the presentation of information on user devices (e.g., customizing
a logo or name, etc.).
An administrator may be able to configure and provision field
device access. For example, when responding to an incident, the
administrator may manage which devices have access to which
information. In other words, those in the administrator group may
be able to act as a commander at an incident. Administrators may
generally be able to add, modify, and/or delete device level user
accounts, view reports of telemetry data and other data, control
one or more features of the response vehicle, and update device
software and apply firmware patches manually as needed.
A responder (e.g., a policeman, a firefighter, etc.) may be a user
in the field responding to an incident. The responder group may be
created for users who have access to the network via a
pre-authenticated device and/or user account. The responder may
have to enter (or have previously entered) credentials specific to
the user account to access the network. The responder may be able
to view telemetry data and manually control various onboard systems
of the response vehicle (e.g., a subset of features of the response
vehicle, etc.).
Onboard communications module 320 may include a telemetry data
module 414 configured to analyze telemetry data relating to the
transmissions over a network between response vehicles and user
devices. Telemetry data may generally refer to metrics relating to
the transmission of signals to and from the response vehicle. The
response vehicle 100 may include any number of sensors 344
configured to record telemetry data for use by onboard
communications module 320. The telemetry data may be used to
analyze the network performance of a Wi-Fi network local to the
response vehicle on site at an incident. The telemetry data may be
used to determine which devices and vehicles are capable of
communicating with one another and facilitating connections to
allow the devices and vehicles to communicate with one another.
Onboard communications module 320 may include a repeater module
416. Repeater module 416 may facilitate the operation of onboard
communications module 320 as a repeater at the scene of an
incident. Referring again to FIG. 2, one response vehicle 204 may
be within wireless range of a commander 202 device, but another
response vehicle 208 may not be. The commander may generally be
responsible for managing all personnel and equipment at the
incident site, and the personnel and equipment may be from
different stations, thus making it challenging for the commander to
manage. It may be determined, by telemetry data module 414, that
the commander is out of range of at least some of the user devices
and/or response vehicles.
In some embodiments, the communications module of response vehicle
204 includes or acts as a repeater (e.g., thereby allowing
commander 202 to communicate with the out-of-range response
vehicles, etc.). Commander 202 may thereby view the status of,
command, and/or otherwise communicate with each of the response
vehicles at the site. For example, the commander may be provided
with data relating to the status of every response vehicle (e.g.,
to see if any response vehicle has a fault, is breaking down, is
running low on fuel, etc.). Since the range of Wi-Fi communications
may be limited at the incident site (e.g., 300 feet, etc.), the use
of the communications module as a repeater to transmit signals at a
stronger power level allows the commander to communicate back and
forth with all personnel and/or equipment at the incident site.
A signal received at response vehicle 204 that is targeted for
response vehicle 206 or 208 may be retransmitted by response
vehicle 204 at a higher power level (e.g., relative to the signal
as received, etc.), so that the signal can reach the appropriate
destination. In one embodiment, repeater module 416 may receive the
signal from a mobile device of commander 202 and determine if a
retransmission of the signal is necessary for the signal to reach
its destination. Repeater module 416 may include logic for
determining the position of the various response vehicles on site
at the incident (e.g., to determine if a signal reached a
destination, to receive feedback from other response vehicles,
etc.) and determine an appropriate transmission power.
Repeater module 416 may additionally receive transmissions from
other response vehicles that are not powerful enough to reach the
commander 202 device. Repeater module 416 may retransmit the signal
so that the signal is strong enough to reach commander 202. In some
embodiments, onboard communications module 320 is configured to
facilitate communications with user devices via one or more
portable repeaters 214.
Referring now to FIG. 5, a flow chart of a process 500 for enabling
wireless communications between a response vehicle and a user
device is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Process 500
may be executed by, for example, onboard communications module
320.
Process 500 includes establishing a wireless connection between a
user device and a communications module of a response vehicle
(block 502). Block 502 may include a user device initializing the
connection (e.g., the user device sending a signal picked up by the
communications module, etc.) or the communications module
initializing the connection (e.g., upon arriving at an incident,
the communications module, or the user device, may automatically
set up the connection as the user is leaving the response vehicle,
etc.).
Process 500 further includes authorizing user device access to
communications with the response vehicle (block 504). Block 504 may
include the user providing his or her credentials (e.g., login,
password, etc.) or the user device automatically transmitting its
credentials to the response vehicle, and the communications module
verifying the user device.
In one embodiment, telemetry data, diagnostics data, or other data
may be transmitted to the user device. The transmission may be
based on a scheduled or automatic transmission of the data or a
user request of the data. Process 500 may include formatting the
data for display on the user device (block 506). For example, the
data may be displayed on a browser of the user device instead of
being displayed via an application. Process 500 further includes
transmitting the data for display on the browser of the user device
(block 508). The data may include telemetry data, diagnostics data,
or any other data relating to the operation of the response vehicle
or to the incident.
Referring now to FIG. 6, a flow chart of a process 600 for enabling
wireless communications between a plurality of response vehicles
and/or user devices is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment.
Process 600 may be executed by, for example, onboard communications
module 320. Process 600 may be executed to allow a communications
module of a response vehicle to function as a repeater.
Process 600 includes detecting devices, which may include a
plurality of user devices, response vehicles, and/or a commander
user device (block 602). For example, a number of response vehicles
(and personnel) may arrive at an incident, and block 602 may
include determining the presence of the various response vehicles
and/or user devices. Process 600 further includes determining the
location of the various user devices and/or response vehicles
(block 604), and determining a range of communications for the user
devices and/or response vehicles (block 606). Blocks 604 and 606
may be executed to determine which communications modules are
capable of reliably communicating with one another. Since the
location of the various personnel and vehicles on site may vary,
and Wi-Fi transmissions may be limited, some user devices including
a commander user device may not be in range of all response
vehicles. Block 606 may include receiving telemetry data from a
plurality of sensors (e.g., sensors 344, etc.) and devices, and
using the telemetry data to analyze the communications capabilities
at the incident site.
Process 600 further includes receiving a transmission from a
communications module (block 608). The transmission may originate
from a user device and/or response vehicle, and may be intended for
a communications module not in range of the original communications
module. For example, the transmission may be from a commander user
device for a response vehicle outside of wireless range. As another
example, the transmission may be from a communications module of a
response vehicle, including telemetry data, diagnostics data,
and/or other data. Process 600 further includes retransmitting the
transmission at a higher power than received (block 610), allowing
the transmission to reach its destination.
Referring now to FIG. 7, diagnostics module 322 of vehicle
management system 300 is described in greater detail. Diagnostics
module 322 may receive data relating to the operation and/or
condition of the response vehicle, determine diagnostic information
using the data, and provide the diagnostic information to a display
of the response vehicle and/or a user device. While diagnostics
module 322 is shown as a standalone module in FIG. 7, in other
embodiments, the various activities described in diagnostics module
322 may be carried out by other modules and systems of the vehicle
management system 300 of the response vehicle 100. Further, while
diagnostics module 322 is shown to manage all kinds of data and
information relating to the response vehicle 100, some of the data
or information may be managed by other modules.
Diagnostics module 322 may be configured to receive any type of
data. As shown in FIG. 7, diagnostics module 322 includes a data
analysis module 702 configured to receive response vehicle data.
Response vehicle data may generally relate to the various vehicle
subsystems 342. For example, the data may include data about the
vehicle systems 342 that may be common among various types of
vehicles, such as the engine, transmission, brakes, lights,
ignition, fluid levels, fuel system, a generator, etc. The data may
further include data that relates more specifically to special
features of the response vehicle 100. For example, the data may
relate to the status of various equipment. If the response vehicle
100 is the fire truck, the data may include data relating to the
use of the hoses, the sirens and warning lights, ladder, foam
system, water pumps, and other fire-related equipment. A data
logging module 704 may be configured to log response vehicle data.
The data may be stored locally on a module of the response vehicle
100 and/or may be transmitted to the remote server 356 for
long-term storage.
A fault detection module 706 is configured to use data from data
analysis module 702 and logged data from data logging module 704 to
determine if a fault exists in the response vehicle 100. In one
embodiment, faults may relate to general vehicle performance (e.g.,
low fluid levels, faulty brakes, etc.). In another embodiment,
faults may relate more specifically to the performance of response
vehicle equipment. The response vehicle 100 may include a plurality
of sensors (e.g., sensors 344, etc.) used to detect faults. For
example, the vehicle may include an accelerometer to measure
acceleration, deceleration, an accident or rollover condition, or
other condition of the response vehicle 100.
In one embodiment, the faults defined by fault detection module 706
are detailed. For example, instead of providing a "check engine"
alert to a user, fault detection module 706 may indicate a
particular faulty engine component, to allow a user to diagnose the
fault on site and to potentially address the fault without needing
a mechanic, additional diagnostic charts or equipment, or other
assistance. The faults may be displayed as warnings or alerts on
the display unit 340 of the response vehicle 100 and/or a user
device (e.g., display module 326, etc.). The display may generally
include visuals and texts illustrating the fault and may include
potential repairs for the fault (e.g., a picture of the faulty
equipment, step-by-step directions to fix the fault or otherwise
address the fault, etc.). Such a system offers significant
advantages relative to traditional warning lights displayed upon
detection of a fault (e.g., the "check engine" light, etc.).
A reporting module 708 may be provided to generate a report
relating to one or more faults of the response vehicle 100. For
example, reporting module 708 may format the fault data for display
on a webpage on a browser of a user device. Onboard communications
module 320 may then transmit the fault data wirelessly (as
described above) to the user devices. In one embodiment, reporting
module 708 may be configured to report fault data to a commander
user device.
In some embodiments, reporting module 708 is configured to generate
reports relating to response vehicle health and performance. For
example, the report may include the status of equipment of the
response vehicle 100 (e.g., a fuel level, if any equipment needs
replacing or attending to, etc.). The report may be formatted for
display on a webpage of a browser of a commander user device.
Referring now to FIG. 8, a flow chart of a process 800 for
providing diagnostic information to a user is shown, according to
an exemplary embodiment. Process 800 may be executed by, for
example, diagnostics module 322. Process 800 may be executed to
provide diagnostic information to a commander on site at an
incident or to a technician remote from the vehicle. For example,
the commander may receive diagnostic information from all response
vehicles on site at an incident, and may manage the use of (e.g.,
control, etc.) the response vehicles, personnel, and equipment at
the incident.
Process 800 includes receiving response vehicle data (block 802)
and determining the presence of a vehicle fault using the response
vehicle data (block 804). For example, the response vehicle data
may relate to general vehicle functionality or to the status of
various vehicle-related equipment. The response vehicle data may be
checked to determine if any vehicle system is not performing
properly, and block 804 includes determining a fault when a
particular vehicle system is not performing properly.
Process 800 includes identifying a specific fault within the
response vehicle (block 806). For example, instead of just
identifying a fault with a particular vehicle system, the
particular part or component associated with the fault may be
identified by the diagnostics module. A fault report is generated
for display on a webpage on a user device and/or display unit of
the response vehicle (block 808). For example, the report may
generally include fault information, as well as more specific
details on the location of the fault and how to address the fault,
among other details. Process 800 includes transmitting the fault
report to the user device and/or display unit (block 810), such as
a commander user device of a commander in charge of managing the
response vehicle and/or a remote service technician.
Referring now to FIG. 9, location module 324 of vehicle management
system 300 is described in greater detail. Location module 324 may
generally be a navigation and/or mapping application configured to
provide a display of a response vehicle and/or a user device with
navigation and location information to aid in response to an
incident. In one embodiment, location module 324 is a standalone
module and may communicate with a remote server (e.g., a remote GPS
server). In other embodiments, the location module may be
integrated with any other vehicle system, may be integrated with a
GPS or other general navigation system, or otherwise
integrated.
In one embodiment, the activities of location module 324 are
integrated with the other modules of vehicle management system 300.
Location module 324 may communicate (via a wired or wireless
connection) with onboard communications module 320 and diagnostics
module 322 to support the activities of the modules. For example,
if diagnostics module 322 identifies a fault or alert, location
module 324 may be configured to generate location information for
the response vehicle 100 with the fault to facilitate providing
coordinated data to a commander user device.
As shown in FIG. 9, location module 324 includes a navigation
module 902. Navigation module 902 may generally be configured to
provide general navigation assistance to the response vehicle 100.
For example, navigation module 902 may receive a destination (e.g.,
the site of an incident, etc.), and may generate turn-by-turn
directions for the response vehicle 100 to the destination.
Navigation module 902 may further provide routing assistance (e.g.,
choosing a best or quickest route, identifying obstacles, etc.) to
a driver of the response vehicle 100. The destination may be
received from a remote source, or may be manually entered by an
occupant of the response vehicle 100 (e.g., when there is no
incident and the navigation process is not automatically started by
location module 324, etc.). Navigation module 902 may be configured
to provide navigation features on the display unit 340 of the
response vehicle 100 (or user device) even when location module 324
(and/or vehicle management system 300) does not have a wireless
connection with a remote server.
As shown in FIG. 9, location module 324 includes a geographical
data module 904 configured to identify geographical points of
interest for the response vehicles and personnel. For example, if
the response vehicle 100 is a fire truck, hydrant and water point
locations may be of interest to the response vehicle 100 and
personnel. As another example, geographical data module 904 may
identify tactical waypoints when responding to an incident. If the
incident is a fire, for example, such waypoints may include a safe
zone or area, a potential building or other location under
increased risk, potential hazards that may make responding to the
incident difficult, etc. Geographical data module 904 may retrieve
all such data and use the data to help determine the best course of
action for the response vehicle 100 and personnel. For example, the
data may be used to determine how the personnel should or could
approach the incident when arriving at the incident site.
Geographical data module 904 may retrieve pre-stored information
relating to geographical points of interest, and/or retrieve the
geographical points of interest from a remote server.
In one embodiment, location module 324 includes a response vehicle
locator 906 configured to locate other response vehicles responding
to an incident. Response vehicle locator 906 may detect the
presence of a response vehicle or may receive a transmission from a
remote server indicating the future presence of other response
vehicles at an incident site. Upon arriving at the incident, the
determination that other response vehicles are at the incident may
be used by response vehicle locator 906 to determine wireless
communication capabilities between the response vehicles and user
devices at the incident, as described above.
Referring now to FIG. 10, a flow chart of a process 1000 for
providing location information to a user of the response vehicle is
shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Process 1000 may be
executed by, for example, location module 324. The location
information may be provided to the user via a display of the
response vehicle or a user device.
Process 1000 includes receiving incident information and providing
navigation information for traveling to the incident (block 1002).
Process 1000 further includes identifying geographical data
relevant to the response vehicle and incident (block 1004). Upon
identifying the incident at block 1002, the location module 324 may
determine information that may be helpful to personnel. For
example, if the incident is a fire, block 1004 may include
identifying the location of hydrants or other water points near the
fire. Block 1004 may further include identifying any potential
hazards, risks, or zones at the incident (e.g., identifying a
particular safe zone, a zone with high risk, identifying conditions
that may make responding to the incident difficult, etc.). In some
embodiments, block 1004 includes identifying tactical waypoints
that can be used by response vehicles and personnel to more
advantageously respond to the incident.
Process 1000 further includes identifying other response vehicle
locations (block 1006). The other response vehicle locations may be
used by other systems of the vehicle management system (e.g.,
onboard communications modules, etc.) to facilitate wireless
communications with the other response vehicles.
Referring now to FIG. 11, display module 326 of vehicle management
system 300 is described in greater detail. Display module 326 may
generally be configured to generate an interface for display on a
touchscreen display of the response vehicle 100. For example, the
interface may allow users to provide commands via touch input, may
display diagnostic information generated by diagnostics module 322
or location information from location module 324, or may otherwise
receive and provide information.
While display module 326 is described as providing an interface for
display on a user interface of the response vehicle 100, display
module 326 may further provide the interface for display as a
webpage on a user device. For example, as described above, a user
or commander may access a webpage on a browser of a user device
that allows the user or commander to view response vehicle
information. In one embodiment, a commander may view the health or
status of response vehicles on his or her user device. While
display module 326 is described with reference to the response
vehicle in FIG. 11, it should be understood that display module 326
may provide the same or a similar type of interface, with the same,
similar, or different types of features (e.g., touchscreen input
capability, etc.) to the user devices as well.
The touchscreen display of the response vehicle 100 may include any
number of supporting buttons and other tactile user inputs to
support interaction between a user and the display. For example, a
plurality of push buttons may be located next to or below the
display to provide the user with further options. It should be
understood that the configuration of the touchscreen display in the
response vehicle 100 may vary without departing from the scope of
the present disclosure.
The display of the response vehicle 100 may include or support
various technologies. For example, the display may be a touchscreen
display and may be separated into any number of portions (e.g., a
split-screen type display, etc.). For example, a first portion of
the screen may be reserved for one particular type of display
(e.g., warnings and alerts, etc.), while another portion of the
screen may be reserved for general vehicle information (e.g.,
speed, fuel level, etc.). The display may be configured to handle
any type of transition, animation, or other display feature that
allows for ease of access of information on the display.
In one embodiment, the display is coupled to a USB input, allowing
the display software to be updated. For example, such updates may
include updating the maps stored on the display (e.g., to improve
navigation features, etc.). Further, custom files may be downloaded
to the display (e.g., custom logos, images, text, etc.) to
personalize the display for use in the response vehicle 100.
The display may include any number of video inputs (e.g., from one
or more cameras located on the response vehicle 100, etc.). For
example, the display may be capable of receiving four video inputs
and may display up to four video inputs simultaneously on the
display. The display may be configured to detect when a camera feed
is up, therefore determining when to display a video input on the
display or not (e.g., not displaying a blank or blue screen,
etc.).
As shown in FIG. 11, display module 326 includes a menu navigation
module 1102 configured to manage navigation of the menus and
options provided on the display. For example, a user may navigate
through the various display options presented by display module 326
via a menu. The display may include any number of touchable
widgets. Upon touch of a widget on the touchscreen, the user may be
taken to the appropriate screen. Widgets may relate to particular
features, such as navigation, a diagnostics report, a home screen
(e.g., main screen of the display, etc.), and a back/exit button
for ease of navigating the display. Menu navigation module 1102 may
manage the menu options presented to the user at a particular
screen, allowing the user to scroll through information, select
information, to retreat to a previous screen or screens, etc.
As shown in FIG. 11, display module 326 includes a video input
module 1104 configured to manage the display of video input on the
display. As described above, the display may be configured to
display one or more video inputs. Video input module 1104 may
receive the video inputs and format the inputs for display.
Formatting the inputs for display may include adjusting a
brightness or contrast level of the video, highlighting or
identifying a point of interest in the video for the user, sizing
the video input for playback on the display, etc. For example, the
display may be configured to support a screen resolution anywhere
from, e.g., 240.times.240 to 1024.times.768, depending on how many
video inputs are shown at once. In one embodiment, video input
module 1104 detects when a video input is not available for display
rather than provide a blank video input for display. In some
embodiments, a user can navigate away from the display of the video
inputs; in other embodiments, depending on the incident and the
situation, a video input may be locked onto the screen or
automatically provided, with or without user request.
In one embodiment, a command to display the video input may be
received from, for example, diagnostics module 322 or another
module. Display module 326 includes a fault information module 1106
configured to manage the display of fault information on the
screen. For example, diagnostics module 322 may detect a scenario
in which the response vehicle should not move (e.g., equipment
attached to the vehicle is deployed, doors are open, etc.). Fault
information module 1106 may be configured to generate a display
with the "do not move truck" command displayed on the screen, along
with a diagram or other text or image accompanying the command. As
another example, a seat belt fault may be generated for display on
the screen by fault information module 1106 if diagnostics module
322 detects that a seat belt is not being worn by an occupant. As
another example, if diagnostics module 322 generates a tire
pressure warning, fault information module 1106 may generate a
display, which may include identifying the tire with low pressure
along with the pressure level of all the tires of the response
vehicle. In various embodiments, the activities of fault
information module 1106 and diagnostics module 322 may be
shared.
Referring now to FIGS. 12-27, exemplary user interfaces 1108 that
may be generated by display module 326 are shown. Referring
generally to the user interfaces, the user interfaces include a
plurality of touchable widgets on the bottom of the screen. While
the touchable widgets are shown on the bottom of the screen, in
other embodiments, the touchable widgets are otherwise disposed on
the user interface 1108. As described above, the user may touch a
widget to be taken to a home screen, a general navigation or
diagnostics screen, or other general screen that provides response
vehicle information to the user.
Referring to FIG. 12, a user interface 1108 is shown that may be
presented during response vehicle transit. The user interface 1108
of FIG. 12 may include general vehicle information, such as the
speed of the vehicle, fuel/oil levels, an occupant status, and/or
the status of sirens and warning lights of the response vehicle.
The user interface 1108 of FIG. 12 may be presented while the
response vehicle is being driven to an incident site and there are
no warnings or faults that need to be displayed.
When the response vehicle arrives at an incident, the user
interface 1108 of FIG. 13 may be presented. Display module 326 may
present a general "scene mode" screen when the response vehicle is
on site and there are no faults or other conditions that need to be
displayed. The user interface 1108 may include the fuel/oil level
of the vehicle, battery status, and other general vehicle
information. The user interface may further display, for example, a
water flow rate, the amount of water and/or foam used, and other
such information. For example, if the response vehicle is a fire
truck, water consumption may be tracked by diagnostics module 322
and presented for display on the user interface.
Referring to FIG. 14, a timer screen 1108 is illustrated. The timer
screen 1108 may be operable by an occupant of the response vehicle
and may be used to track time in time-sensitive situations. For
example, the timer may indicate the expected duration of a trip to
an incident. As another example, the timer may be used to track any
time-sensitive operation of a user (e.g., how much time has elapsed
since a fire fighter entered a building or since a certain incident
or action, etc.).
Referring to FIG. 15, a load manager screen 1108 is illustrated.
Upon a user selecting a diagnostics option on the touchscreen, the
user may select or view various diagnostics information. In the
user interface 1108 of FIG. 15, the user may view vehicle
subsystems currently operating in the vehicle. For example, an HVAC
unit may be operating to provide heat and/or air conditioning in a
cabin of the response vehicle. The various vehicle subsystems may
be ranked in importance, or designated a high or low importance, by
diagnostics module 322. Using the user interface 1108 of FIG. 15, a
user may change or disable the operation of any vehicle subsystem
that may be using too many resources of the response vehicle.
Referring to FIG. 16, one option under diagnostics may be to view
the status of interlocks in the vehicle. For example, in FIG. 16,
the user may view the status of the pump interlocks or throttle
interlocks in the response vehicle. Upon selection of the pump
interlock option, the user may be presented with the user interface
1108 of FIG. 17. Upon selection of the throttle interlock option,
the user may be presented with the user interface 1108 of FIG. 18.
From the resulting user interface 1108, the user may select a
specific interlock for a specific vehicle component, to change
system settings or view further diagnostic information.
Referring now to FIG. 19, a seat belt monitor user interface 1108
is shown. Upon diagnostics module 322 detecting a user not wearing
a seat belt, an indication may be presented on the user interface
1108 of FIG. 19. In one embodiment, the seat belt monitor display
may be presented on the entire display (e.g., when a seat belt is
not being worn, etc.), or may just take a portion of the display
(e.g., when all seat belts are being worn, etc.).
Referring now to FIG. 20, when diagnostics module 322 detects an
open passenger door, a user interface 1108 may be presented that
informs the user that the door is open, and that the response
vehicle should not be operated. The user interface may include any
type of image or other textual or visual warning of the condition
triggering the "do not move truck" condition. For example, an
exclamation point and icon is shown on top of the passenger door in
FIG. 20.
In one embodiment, display module 326 is configured to provide
location information to a user. In FIG. 21, a user interface 1108
is shown that illustrates an aerial view of the response vehicle,
and a circular range around the vehicle. The circle and arc area
may represent an operational area of a ladder associated with a
fire apparatus. In other embodiments the circle is representative
of a wireless range of the response vehicle or may be
representative of the coverage provided by the response vehicle
(e.g., if the response vehicle is a fire truck with an attached
hose, the circle may represent the range of the hose, etc.).
Additional response vehicles and other objects and personnel may be
shown on the user interface 1108 of FIG. 21. For example, a second
response vehicle may be shown, along with the range of the second
response vehicle. The user interface of FIG. 21 may be configured
to display any number of vehicles, objects, and personnel that
allows a user to make tactical decisions.
In FIG. 22, a HVAC user interface 1108 is illustrated. The user may
view the status of the various HVAC units in the response vehicle
and change the output of the HVAC units in any way.
As described above, the user may select a touchable widget relating
to the diagnostics menu. The user may then be presented with a menu
1108 as shown in FIG. 23. The user may then select to view one of
many types of diagnostics information, such as faults, the status
of vehicle interlocks (as described with reference to FIGS. 16-18),
the status of various vehicle systems, and the current vehicle load
(as described with reference to FIG. 15).
The user may select "system" to be presented with the user
interface 1108 of FIG. 24. The various vehicle systems that the
user may view diagnostics information for may include, for example,
the chassis system, foam system (e.g., for a fire truck, etc.),
aerial system (e.g., to provide a view as shown in FIG. 21, etc.),
a pressure governor system, the engine, the transmission, and the
ABS. The foam system diagnostics system interface 1108 is shown in
FIG. 25; the chassis diagnostics system interface 1108 is shown in
FIG. 26. Tire pressure information is shown in the user interface
1108 of FIG. 27.
Referring again to FIGS. 11-27, while the display is described with
reference to a response vehicle, in other embodiments display
module 326 may generate the features described herein for display
on a mobile user device. For example, referring also to FIG. 2, the
various features provided by display module 326 may be transmitted
to commander 202 and/or personnel 212, allowing the commander to
oversee all personnel and response vehicles at the site of an
incident.
The construction and arrangement of the systems and methods as
shown in the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only.
Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in
this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations
in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the
various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use
of materials, orientations, etc.). By way of example, the position
of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied and the nature or
number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied.
Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included
within the scope of the present disclosure. The order or sequence
of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced
according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions,
modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design,
operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments
without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems and program
products on memory or other machine-readable media for
accomplishing various operations. The embodiments of the present
disclosure may be implemented using existing computer processors,
or by a special purpose computer processor for an appropriate
system, incorporated for this or another purpose, or by a hardwired
system. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure
include program products or memory comprising machine-readable
media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or
data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be
any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or
special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way
of example, such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM,
EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk
storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium
which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the
form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and
which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose
computer or other machine with a processor. Combinations of the
above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media.
Machine-executable instructions include, by way of example,
instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer,
special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to
perform a certain function or group of functions.
Although the figures may show a specific order of method steps, the
order of the steps may differ from what is depicted. Also two or
more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial
concurrence. Such variation will depend on the software and
hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations
are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software
implementations could be accomplished with standard programming
techniques with rule based logic and other logic to accomplish the
various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps and
decision steps.
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